Coast Guard suspends search for missing boaters in Virginia

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Coast Guard has suspended its search for two recreational boaters missing since a collision with an oyster barge Saturday on Virginia’s James River.

Coast Guard officials announced Sunday afternoon that the effort was suspended after searching more than 200 square miles since Saturday morning. Coast Guard boats and helicopters were assisted by the Navy as well as state and local resources.

The Coast Guard and Virginia Marine Resources Commission are jointly investigating the cause of the incident near Portsmouth.

The barge was being pushed by a tug and headed for an oyster bed near the James River Bridge when the collision with the recreational boat occurred. Good Samaritans rescued four of the recreational boaters, but two others could not be found.